CTS Eventim now France Billet’s majority shareholder as deal is finalised

CTS Eventim has completed the acquisition from Fnac Darty of almost one fifth of ticketing operator France Billet’s shares.

The deal was concluded after CTS Eventim received the necessary authorisations and consultations with employee representatives to buy 17% of stock. With this transaction, CTS Eventim becomes the majority shareholder in France Billet which will be operated under joint control, with Fnac Darty retaining a 35% stake and continuing involvement in the governance of the company.

The acquisition comes five years after France Billet, Fnac Darty and CTS Eventim teamed up to deliver ticketing services for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. As part of a strategic evolution in their partnership, CTS Eventim informed Fnac Darty in 2023 of its intention to exercise its call option to acquire an additional 17% stake in France Billet, in accordance with the partnership agreement concluded in 2019.

Klaus-Peter Schulenberg, chief executive of CTS Eventim, said: “This transaction marks another important milestone in our long-standing and successful partnership with Fnac Darty. By becoming the majority shareholder of France Billet, we are well-positioned to unlock further potential in the dynamic French ticketing market and to strengthen our presence in this key region.”

Management team to stay

Starting in December, France Billet will be fully consolidated in the financial results of CTS Eventim. The management team and key contacts at France Billet will remain in place, with a view to continuity and stability for promoters and other partners.

Enrique Martinez, chief executive of Fnac Darty, said: “We are delighted with the successful completion of the deal between France Billet and CTS Eventim. The success of their collaboration on ticketing for the Olympic Games marked a key milestone, demonstrating the relevance of this operation.

“We are convinced of the promising future of France Billet alongside one of the world leaders in ticketing, to create value and innovate in the service of the spectator experience. As a minority shareholder, we will continue to actively support the ticketing business in France through our points of sale and the Fnac Spectacles brand.”